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Guide to Hiking China's Old Road to Shu

19th century Western travelers considered Chengdu one of the finestcities in all of China, commenting on its cleanliness, tree-lined streets, and air of relaxed civility. Sadly almost all traces of old Chengdu exceptfor some temples and a few small alleys have completely vanished, yetmost visitors still find it an enjoyable city, easily accessed by pedicabsand with lots of tea houses and restaurants serving "little snacks" andhot pot. A visit to the Wuhou Temple is recommended (right top) to getsome background on the Three Kingdoms period, one of the most famous eras along the Road to Shu. The hikes in this guide begin threehours to the north of this city, but if you want to linger here a few days,you can take in the Sichuan opera, visit the panda research center or the hot pot restaurants on Qintai Road (below right). A day-trip tothe nearby famous Qin dynasty irrigation works at Dujiangyan (belowleft) is also popular.